Alleged fraudster abandons accomplice to police trap

Michael Mashiri

Zim Now Correspondent

One suspect made good his escape leaving his accomplice to face the music when the police set a trap to capture two men selling off a Harare property to multiple parties.

Rupiya Korera, 48, Stoneridge Park appeared in court charged with fraud over US $20 500 received from Elias Njale on December 16, 2022, for stand number 2256 Prospect Waterfalls.

An agreement of sale was signed between Njale and Korera's accomplice, Harold Joseph Mukoyi (still at large), who was pretending to be the owner.

The court was informed that in April 2024, Njale went to check the stand and found it occupied by another person who informed Njale that he bought it from the Korera.

Njale called Mukoyi inquiring to understand how the property he had paid for had been sold to another person.

Mukoyi failed to explain to Njale’s satisfaction and the latter made a police report.

Investigations that Korera and Mukoyi were still trying to sell the property to other people.

On June 24, 2024, a trap was set and Korera and Mukoyi were lured to the Harare Agricultural Show ground believing they were going to meet with a potential victim for their fraudulent sale.

Mukoyi drove Korera to the meeting point but remained in the car. When Mukoyi realised that it was a trap, he drove off and is still at large.

Korera was remanded in custody for continuation.